ARN – All the goss, from Gordon.
Hello again!
You don’t need me to tell you how hot its been of late, with temperature records being broken day after day. A freak summer? Maybe, but the metereological pundits are citing ’climate change’ and if they’re right, long scorching days and sleepless tropical nights may become a regular occurrence. Fortunately, we’ve had only one instance of chocolate melting – on a journey between North Shields and London. One of our quick-thinking customers has hired a refrigerated van to combat the issue, there was no other way to ensure their stock didn’t spoil… Next year, it wouldn’t surprise me if that became a common tactic.
We’ve had occasions over the last 10 years where chocolate’s melted, but nothing to write home about: but over the last three years… Blimey. It’s quite alarming how consistently hot it’s becoming.
Makes you wonder if winter will be similarly severe, with a December and January of blizzards from a rejuvenated ‘Beast from the East’.
The upsides to the heatwave? Soft drinks sales are through the roof…
So what can we offer you that will soothe your peckish customers instead? What can you add to your planograms to keep sales spiralling? Quite a lot, actually.
Candy alternatives are always good summer sellers and I thought I’d list some of our best-performing candy lines – in no particular order – to give you a heads-up.
Nerds Berries Gummy Clusters, take a bow. They come in outers of 40 x 40gm, (product code 1277550), or in 10 packs of 113gm, (127757).
And when the heat’s knocking us down like nine-pins, Skittles is a product you can aim to stock. They are available in 36 packs of 45 gm bags, (product code 100548). When they fancy something more substantial, your customers could easily be tempted by Skittles Giants Gooey Chewy Sweets Fruit Flavoured Pouch. These Big Boys come in 15 packs of 125g, (124856). Call me biased if you like, (I have an, um ‘soft spot’ for Skittles), but I think Skittles deserve to be a part of your core range.
And it’s not just Candies, it’s Jellies, too. We’ve been impressed by the performace of Maynard Bassets legendary Jelly Babies. They’re available in Sharing Bags that come to you in 12 packs of 130 grams. Although, truth be told, we’re not sure that buyers would share them with anybody? (Their product code is 125269).
Then, from the Jelly Bean Factory, comes Gourmet Mixed Jelly Beans. They are packed in 12 Packs of 113g and they’re positioned as a ‘premium’ product, and with ’36 huge flavours’ in every bag, they can count on my vote. (127590).
Nestle Rowntree’s Berry Heart pouch.10 packs of 115 gm, (124476,) is another product that shines when the sun shines.
So far, perhaps, so predictable. So here’s a curved ball: Oreo cookies Snack Bags. Oreos is a huge brand that inspires such fierce customer loyalty that impressive sales are a given, come rain or shine. They’re sold in 8 packs of 110 gm. (The number you’ll need is126266).
And yes, I’ve flagged them before, but Pringle Minis remain a vending-exclusive, ARN only product and while the sun’s shining, you could make some serious hay with this one. They come in two flavours: Sour Cream and Onion (125714) and Original, (125713). Each is packed in cases of 28 x 40gm.
That’s not all, but it’s all that space allows; because I have some good news that I’d like to share. In the past few weeks, ARN has been awarded BRCGS accreditation – Double A standard- again. This acknowledgement reinforces our credentials: who we are, what we do and what we stand for. You’re in safe hands with a partner you can trust.
So that’s it for now and remember, ARN is a wholesaler. We supply vending operators. Simples. We’re not leading a double life as an operator and we never will…
Until next time, enjoy the summer.
Gordon Johnston, Sales Director, ARN
More from Gordon on PV here
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